Summary:
Archaeologist Dr. Angela Hunter discovers an ancient codex at a Mississippian Indian dig site in the St. Louis area. Knowing the Mississippians, or Mound Builders, had no written language, she is determined to solve the mystery of the 700-year-old, perfectly preserved codex.
In the early 1300’s, an Aztec family is torn apart. A judge rebelling against the Aztec tradition of human sacrifice is cursed and escapes his enemies with his 12-year-old son. They travel from the Gulf of Mexico up the Mississippi River to settle in the thriving community of Migaduha, modern-day Cahokia Mounds, Illinois.
Angela recognizes the symbols as Aztec pictograms and begins to translate the story. However, other forces also want the codex and will do anything to get it. Can she learn the secrets of the chronicle before the tragic events of the past are repeated today?
In the early 1300’s, an Aztec family is torn apart. A judge rebelling against the Aztec tradition of human sacrifice is cursed and escapes his enemies with his 12-year-old son. They travel from the Gulf of Mexico up the Mississippi River to settle in the thriving community of Migaduha, modern-day Cahokia Mounds, Illinois.
Angela recognizes the symbols as Aztec pictograms and begins to translate the story. However, other forces also want the codex and will do anything to get it. Can she learn the secrets of the chronicle before the tragic events of the past are repeated today?
Summary & Cover taken from Goodreads.com
Length: 408 pages (Paperback)
Source: Review Copy
Available Format: Print/E-book
Publication Date: October 29th 2012 by Createspace
I've always been interested in history but I have to admit that while I do know some things about ancient Native American civilizations that I haven't really come across too many historical fiction novels that center on the topic so when the tour invite for Chronicle of the Mound Builders came to me I knew I just had to take part of the tour.
Chronicle of the Mound Builders is a unique mixture of historical fiction and modern mystery. I enjoyed the author's way of going from present times to the past and back again in the course of the book. Sometimes when author's do this the story can become a little disjointed but Elle Marie surprised me in melding the past and the present together so well.
The characters in Chronicle of the Mound Builders were wonderful. I really liked Angela Hunter there was just something about her that I really liked and maybe it's her tenacity and her spirit that made me enjoy her so much although I am a little envious of her since she does have my dream job. I also liked her father Peter and Tototl the young boy who wrote the codex as all the other characters in the novel both the good guys and the bad which to me as a sign of a good author.
The plot was fantastic and I really loved the mystery behind the codex and where it lead Angela and her Father to as well as what they learned. The mixture of bringing the history behind the codex alive though was definitely my favourite part and it kept me on my toes. I liked the fact that I didn't know where the author was going in terms of the story line and every chapter while bringing me closer to the end of the book also brought the story to life more and more
Overall, I really enjoyed Elle Marie's debut and I wouldn't change a thing about it. The writing was strong, the character and plot were well developed and I liked the pace of the novel. There was plenty of detail in the story to bring it to life and lots of little plot twists to keep me on my toes while I read and had me guessing as to what would happen next.
I would highly recommend this to fans of historical fiction that is intertwined with a modern day mystery. The mixture of the two genres was flawless and the author's skill was surprisingly good and the story line was addictive and I loved how the author was able to bring the past alive.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my free and honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are 100% my own.
I read this book for the following reading challenges:
2013 150+ Reading Challenge
2013 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge
2013 Around the World Challenge
Loved It!
★★★★★
★★★★★
To become a "Fan" of Elle on Goodreads CLICK HERE
To visit Elle's Website CLICK HERE
To purchase the book via iTunes CLICK HERE
To purchase the book via Amazon CLICK HERE
To purchase the book via Kobo CLICK HERE
To purchase the book via The Book Depository CLICK HERE
To purchase the book via Barnes & Noble CLICK HERE
I feel the same as you - I haven't really read any books about Native American civilizations so it was really interesting to learn about them while reading such an enjoyable book. The codex intrigued me and really drove the story. And I love how Angela Hunter is kind of a female Indiana Jones! Thanks for sharing your review - hopefully other people will enjoy the book as much as we did!
ReplyDelete